Books

First edition, first impression. Profusely illustrated with photographs by the author on glossy plates and with a map and facsimile diary page. 8vo, publisher s original tan buckram lettered in gilt on spine, in the original printed dustjacket. xii, 291 pp. A very handsome copy, the scarce original dustjacket is fresh, complete, clean and very well preserved with just a touch of rubbing at the extremities; the tan cloth also in fine state of preservation, the book essentially pristine internally. A FINE AND VERY HANDSOME COPY OF THE FIRST EDITION IN DUSTJACKET, NOW QUITE SCARCE. A volume of Lawrence's previously uncollected writings, edited by his youngest brother and literary executor. It includes the suppressed chapter of Seven Pillars, a note on Kennington's Arab portraits and other important essays. The first part of the book contains uncollected writings b y Lawrence about the east including a diary kept during a journey made on foot as he made his way through Northern Syria in the summer of 1911, as he studied and photographed crusader castles. The second part of the book contains over 100 photographs taken by Lawrence during the revolt in the desert. There is very good material here on Lawrence's pre-war tour of Ottoman Syria, during which he traveled 1000 miles on foot undertaking archaeological field research of ancient military architecture, At the end of his forward, A. W. Lawrence states, "This volume comprises practically all the authors miscellaneous writings, with the exception of Crusader Castles. I hope that essay, already printed as a personal document in a limited edition, will eventually be reissued as a work of scholarship, with annotations and additional matter by several authorities. There remains nothing else which I intend to place before the general public.".

Oriental Assembly, edited by A.W. Lawrence, offers a unique and intimate look into the mind of T.E. Lawrence, the British officer who became a legendary figure for his role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. While Lawrence is best known for his autobiographical work *Seven Pillars of Wisdom*, *Oriental Assembly* provides a more fragmented and introspective collection of his writings, letters, and reflections. It is a valuable text for understanding not only Lawrence’s thoughts on the Middle East but also his personal struggles with identity, loyalty, and the complexities of Western involvement in Eastern affairs. The title Oriental Assembly evokes the idea of a gathering of Eastern peoples, and the book delves into Lawrence’s perceptions of the Middle East, offering deep reflections on the cultures and peoples of the region. Lawrence’s admiration for the Arabs with whom he fought is evident, but so too is his recognition of the profound difficulties in fully understanding and engaging with Eastern societies from a Western perspective. Throughout the text, Lawrence grapples with the tension between the East and the West, exploring cultural differences, misunderstandings, and the challenge of bridging two very different worlds. At its core, Oriental Assembly is as much about Lawrence’s personal journey as it is about his interactions with the Arab world. The writings in this collection reveal his inner conflicts—his simultaneous loyalty to the British Empire and his commitment to the Arab cause. Although he became a celebrated hero to many Arabs during the revolt, Lawrence's post-war experiences left him disillusioned. He was disheartened by the political realities that emerged following the revolt, where promises of Arab independence were quickly undermined by European powers. These personal and political tensions are a constant theme in *Oriental Assembly*, where Lawrence reflects on his role in the broader events and questions his own motivations and actions. The book also serves as a commentary on the geopolitical situation of the early 20th century, particularly in the context of the Middle East. Lawrence was acutely aware of the way European colonial powers, including Britain and France, manipulated the region for their own strategic interests. His writings suggest a growing sense of frustration with the imperialistic ambitions of the West, as well as a deep respect for the Arab peoples and their struggle for autonomy. In this sense, *Oriental Assembly* offers a critique of Western imperialism while also acknowledging the complexities of the region’s history and politics. As a work of literature, Oriental Assembly is characterized by Lawrence’s distinctive writing style—poetic, rich with detail, and often philosophical in tone. The text is filled with vivid descriptions of the landscapes and peoples of the Middle East, capturing the beauty and harshness of the environment. Lawrence’s introspective nature also comes through in his writing, with a frequent focus on his own feelings of alienation and uncertainty. In many ways, this book is less about the specific historical events of the Arab Revolt and more about Lawrence’s personal quest for meaning, identity, and understanding.